A Heartfelt Thank You to Our PR Partners and Business Friends

As the year draws to a close and we look ahead to a brand-new chapter, we wanted to pause and offer our sincere thanks to the PR professionals, agencies, independent publicists, and businesses who have supported That’s Christmas 365 over the past twelve months.

Running a year-round Christmas platform is a joyful but demanding endeavour. 

Behind every story shared, every product highlighted, every campaign covered, and every festive idea brought to life, there are people who believed in what we do and took the time to reach out, collaborate, explain, organise, and support. That effort never goes unnoticed.

Champions of Creativity and Calm

PR is often at its best when it’s invisible, but we see the hard work. The carefully written press releases, the thoughtful pitches that genuinely fit our audience, the patience when timings shift, and the professionalism when things don’t quite go to plan. 

Your work helps Christmas magic reach readers in a way that feels authentic, helpful, and inspiring rather than forced.

You’ve trusted us with your stories, your brands, and sometimes your hopes for a campaign, and that trust means everything.

Supporting Businesses of All Sizes

We’re especially grateful to the small and medium-sized businesses who took a chance on That’s Christmas 365. 

Whether you’re a family-run brand, a seasonal start-up, or a long-established company adapting to a changing retail world, your passion shines through. It’s a privilege to share your products, traditions, and ideas with our readers.

Christmas thrives on variety, handmade alongside heritage, innovation alongside nostalgia, and your businesses help keep that richness alive all year round.

Collaboration Over Transaction

What has stood out most this year is the spirit of collaboration. Conversations rather than demands. Mutual respect rather than box-ticking. A shared understanding that Christmas content works best when it’s rooted in warmth, honesty, and genuine enthusiasm.

That approach aligns perfectly with our ethos, and it’s why so many of our partnerships feel less like work and more like creative friendship.

Looking Ahead to the New Year

As we step into the New Year, we do so with gratitude and optimism. We look forward to:

New stories and campaigns

Continued partnerships

Fresh ideas and festive inspiration

And many more opportunities to celebrate Christmas in all its forms — 365 days a year

To every PR professional who emailed, called, followed up, explained, reassured, and supported, thank you.

To every business that trusted us with your brand, thank you.

We wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year, filled with successful campaigns, strong relationships, and plenty of reasons to celebrate.

From both of us at That’s Christmas 365, here’s to another year of shared success — and a little bit of Christmas magic, every single day.

If you want to get in touch, please email us at afj_uk@yahoo.com.

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A New Year’s Toast Without the Fizz: Why Beer Can Be the Perfect Alternative

There’s a powerful expectation that seeing in the New Year must involve a cork popping and a flute of something sparkling held aloft at midnight. 

Champagne, Prosecco, Cava – they’ve become part of the cultural shorthand for celebration. But sometimes life intervenes, plans change, and the shops are simply out of reach.

This New Year’s Eve, with flu firmly keeping us housebound, the traditional sparkling wine run just wasn’t happening. And honestly? That turned out to be no bad thing at all.

Instead, we’re welcoming the New Year with a couple of bottles of Leffe – and it feels like a celebration perfectly suited to the moment.

Letting Go of the Sparkle Myth

There’s nothing magical about bubbles themselves. What matters is the act of pausing, reflecting, and marking the passing of one year into the next. Sparkling wine has simply become the default, not the rule.

When you’re under the weather, overly acidic or highly carbonated drinks can be less appealing anyway. Beer – particularly a well-made Belgian abbey-style beer – offers warmth, depth, and comfort rather than sharpness and fizz.

Why Leffe Works So Well for New Year’s Eve

Leffe is not a “quick pint” beer. It’s a beer that asks to be sipped and appreciated, which makes it ideal for a quieter, more reflective New Year.

Rich, rounded flavours – gentle sweetness, soft spice, and malt warmth

Lower carbonation than sparkling wine, making it easier to drink when you’re not feeling at your best

A sense of occasion – it’s still a bottled, poured, glass-worthy drink

Comforting rather than bracing, perfect for a night in

Whether it’s Leffe Blonde with its honeyed smoothness or Leffe Brune with its deeper, caramel notes, it feels intentional rather than second-best.

Celebrating at Home, on Your Own Terms

There’s something quietly reassuring about seeing the New Year in from the sofa, wrapped in blankets, listening to the distant sound of fireworks through the window. No crowds, no pressure, no forced cheerfulness – just the shared acknowledgement that you made it through another year.

Raising a glass of beer rather than sparkling wine doesn’t diminish the moment. If anything, it makes it more honest. It reflects where you are, how you’re feeling, and what you actually want rather than what tradition says you should want.

A Gentle Toast to the Year Ahead

So tonight, our toast isn’t loud or extravagant. It’s a simple clink of beer glasses, a shared smile, and a quiet hope that the coming year brings better health, calmer days, and more small moments worth savouring.

If you’re also spending New Year’s Eve unwell, snowed in, or simply choosing comfort over convention, consider this your permission slip: the New Year doesn’t care what’s in your glass.

Sometimes, a good beer is exactly the right way to begin again.

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Even If You’ve Had the Flu Jab: A Winter Warning About This Year’s Severe Flu

For many of us, having the flu vaccination feels like ticking an important winter health box. 

You do the sensible thing, protect yourself and others, and expect that if flu does strike, it will at least be mild.

This winter, that expectation has not always been met.

Despite vaccination, a significant number of people across the UK are still contracting an unusually aggressive strain of influenza, often referred to in everyday language as “super flu”. My wife and I both caught it while attending a funeral shortly before Christmas. 

I have been unwell, but my wife has been particularly badly affected, with symptoms that have lingered and hit far harder than a typical seasonal illness.

This experience has prompted us to share a warning, not to discourage vaccination, but to encourage realistic expectations, vigilance, and early self-care.

Are This Year’s Flu Vaccines “Not Working”?

It’s important to be clear and factual.

Flu vaccines are not failing outright, but this season they appear to be less effective at preventing infection for some people. This can happen when:

Circulating flu strains mutate after vaccines are produced

Multiple influenza strains circulate at once

Individual immune responses vary

Protection reduces over time, particularly in winter peaks

Vaccination still reduces the risk of hospitalisation, pneumonia, and death, which is why the NHS continues to recommend it, especially for older adults, carers, and those with underlying conditions.

However, this year has shown clearly that being vaccinated does not guarantee you won’t get flu — or that it will be mild.

How This “Super Flu” Is Presenting

Many people report symptoms that are stronger, longer-lasting, and more debilitating than a standard cold or flu, including:

Severe exhaustion that doesn’t lift with rest

Persistent chesty or dry cough

High fever and chills lasting several days

Headaches and muscle pain

Loss of appetite and nausea

Chest tightness or breathlessness

Lingering weakness well into recovery

For some, symptoms are lasting two to three weeks, even in otherwise healthy adults.

What You Can Do at Home If You Catch It

If symptoms are manageable and you’re not in a high-risk group, home care is often appropriate — but it needs to be taken seriously.

1. Rest Properly (Not “Pushing Through”)

This is not a flu to power through. Rest is not optional.

Stay in bed or on the sofa

Avoid physical exertion

Reduce screen time if headaches worsen

Returning to normal activity too soon can prolong recovery.

2. Hydration Is Critical

Flu dehydrates you quickly.

Sip water regularly

Warm drinks can ease coughing

Oral rehydration drinks can help if appetite is low

Dark urine or dizziness are signs you’re not drinking enough.

3. Fever and Pain Relief

Paracetamol can help reduce fever and aches

Ibuprofen may help with inflammation if suitable for you

Avoid combining medicines unnecessarily

Always follow UK dosage guidance.

4. Ease Chest and Breathing Symptoms

Steam inhalation or warm showers may ease congestion

Keep rooms well-ventilated but warm

Sleep slightly propped up if coughing worsens at night

If breathing becomes laboured or painful, seek medical advice immediately.

5. Support the Immune System

While not cures, the following may help recovery:

Light, nourishing foods (soups, broths)

Honey and lemon or orange for sore throats (not for children under one)

Adequate vitamin intake through diet

Avoid alcohol — it can worsen dehydration and fatigue.

When to Seek Medical Help

Do not rely solely on home care if any of the following occur:

Difficulty breathing or chest pain

Fever lasting more than 5 days

Blue lips or extreme drowsiness

Confusion or collapse

Symptoms worsening after initial improvement

Contact NHS 111, your GP, or emergency services as appropriate.

A Final Word of Caution

This winter’s flu is not something to dismiss as “just a bad cold” — even if you’ve done everything right and had your jab.

Vaccination still matters. Hygiene still matters. But listening to your body, resting properly, and acting early matter just as much.

If you’re attending gatherings, funerals, or crowded indoor events, be aware that flu is circulating widely — and hitting harder than many expect.

Please take care of yourselves — and each other.

Making Your Own Christmas Mincemeat from Scratch. Because Christmas baking should smell like Christmas

There’s something deeply comforting about making your own Christmas mincemeat from scratch. 

It’s one of those quietly magical kitchen rituals that instantly makes the house smell like Christmas itself, citrus, spice, fruit, and a hint of festive indulgence drifting through the air.

At That’s Christmas 365, we’re firm believers Christmas isn’t just a date in December, it’s a feeling you can summon at any time of year. And homemade mincemeat is one of the simplest ways to do exactly that.

Forget the idea that mincemeat is fiddly or old-fashioned. In reality, it’s straightforward, endlessly adaptable, and once you’ve made it yourself, shop-bought versions rarely compare.

What Is Christmas Mincemeat, Really?

Despite the name, modern Christmas mincemeat no longer contains no meat at all. It’s a rich mixture of dried fruits, sugar, spice, citrus zest, fat (traditionally suet), and alcohol. Historically it did include meat, but today’s version is all about flavour, texture, and festive warmth.

It’s the heart of mince pies, but it’s also wonderful spooned into pastries, stirred through cake batter, or layered into festive desserts.

Why Make Your Own?

Making your own mincemeat gives you:

Complete control over sweetness and spice

Freedom to adjust alcohol levels (or skip it entirely)

Better texture and fresher flavour

A deeply festive kitchen experience

It also makes a lovely homemade gift when spooned into a jar, tied with ribbon, and labelled with the year.

A Classic Homemade Christmas Mincemeat Recipe

This recipe is traditional, reliable, and easy to adapt.

Ingredients

300g raisins

300g sultanas

200g currants

100g mixed peel

1 large cooking apple, grated (skin on)

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Zest and juice of 1 orange

150g dark brown sugar, or maple sugar

100g shredded suet (vegetable suet works perfectly)

2 tsp mixed spice

1 tsp cinnamon

½ tsp nutmeg

A pinch of salt

100ml brandy, rum, or whisky (to taste)

Method

Mix everything except the alcohol in a large bowl until well combined.

Cover and leave overnight so the flavours can begin to mingle.

The next day, stir through the alcohol.

Spoon into sterilised jars, seal, and store in a cool, dark place.

Your mincemeat will be usable almost immediately, but it improves dramatically after two to four weeks.

Customising Your Mincemeat

One of the joys of making mincemeat from scratch is making it yours.

You might like to try:

A splash of orange liqueur instead of brandy

Chopped dried cherries or cranberries for sharpness

A little grated fresh ginger for warmth

Vanilla or almond extract for depth

Replacing some sugar with maple syrup or honey,or use sugar alternatives

There’s no single “correct” version – just the one that tastes like Christmas to you.

How Long Does Homemade Mincemeat Keep?

Properly jarred and stored, homemade mincemeat will keep for up to a year thanks to the sugar and alcohol. Always use a clean spoon when serving, and keep it refrigerated once opened.

If you’re making it well ahead of Christmas, give the jars an occasional gentle shake to redistribute the flavours.

Beyond Mince Pies

Yes, mince pies are the classic, but don’t stop there. Homemade mincemeat is brilliant in:

Festive traybakes

Christmas muffins

Puff pastry pinwheels

Sponge puddings

Layered trifles

It’s one of those ingredients that quietly elevates almost any bake into something unmistakably Christmassy.

A Christmas Tradition Worth Keeping

In a world of convenience, making your own Christmas mincemeat is a gentle reminder that some traditions are worth slowing down for. It doesn’t require fancy equipment or specialist skills – just time, care, and a love of Christmas flavours.

Whether you make it in July or late November, it’s a small act that brings the spirit of Christmas into your kitchen, one fragrant spoonful at a time.

And that, to us at That’s Christmas 365, is what Christmas is all about.

Broken Presents, Wrong Sizes & Christmas Let-Downs: How to Deal with Gift Mishaps Gracefully

Christmas morning is meant to be magical. The kettle’s on, wrapping paper is everywhere, and for a brief moment everything feels perfect. 

Then it happens: a present is broken straight out of the box, the jumper is two sizes too small, or the gadget simply isn’t what you hoped for.

If you’ve ever sat there smiling politely while thinking “Oh no…”, you’re not alone. 

At That’s Christmas 365, we believe that even the wobbly, disappointing bits of Christmas deserve kindness, perspective, and a practical plan.

Here’s how to deal with broken presents, wrong sizes, and festive mishaps—without spoiling the season.

First Things First: Pause Before You Panic

It’s completely normal to feel disappointed, frustrated, or awkward—especially if the gift came from someone who clearly meant well. Before reacting:

Take a breath

Remind yourself that Christmas is about people, not perfection

Avoid reacting in the heat of the moment

A calm response now makes everything easier later.

Dealing with Broken or Faulty Gifts

If a present arrives damaged or doesn’t work properly, don’t assume all is lost.

What to Do Straight Away

Keep all packaging – boxes, receipts, and labels matter

Take photos of damage or faults as soon as possible

Check the retailer’s returns policy – many extend returns over Christmas

In the UK, consumer rights usually protect you if an item is faulty, even if it was a gift. Retailers are often far more accommodating in the festive period than at any other time of year.

If the Gift Was Bought Online

Online purchases are often easier to resolve. Many retailers allow:

Gift returns without the purchaser present

Exchanges rather than refunds

Extended January return windows

If you don’t have the receipt, ask the giver discreetly later—most people would much rather you have something usable than suffer in silence.

When the Size Is Wrong (Clothes, Shoes & Wearables)

Ah yes, the festive sizing lottery.

How to Handle It Politely

Thank the giver genuinely—it’s the thought that counts

Avoid trying things on publicly if you already know it won’t fit

Check the tag before removing it

Most clothing retailers allow size exchanges without fuss, especially around Christmas.

If You’re Unsure About an Exchange

Some people worry about offending the gift giver. Remember:

They chose the item because they care

Exchanging it ensures it’s actually worn and enjoyed

Keeping something that doesn’t fit helps no one

Kind honesty, handled gently, is rarely taken badly.

When the Gift Just Isn’t “You”

Not every present is broken or the wrong size—sometimes it’s simply… not your thing.

Before rushing to return it, consider:

Could it be re-gifted thoughtfully later?

Would a charity shop donation do genuine good?

Could it be repurposed or used creatively?

If you do return it, many shops will offer store credit—sometimes leading you to something you’d never have chosen yourself but end up loving.

What If You’re the One Who Gave the Problem Gift?

It happens to everyone at some point.

If someone tells you a present is broken or doesn’t fit:

Thank them for telling you

Reassure them it’s absolutely fine

Offer the receipt or help with an exchange

Grace goes both ways at Christmas.

Keeping Christmas in Perspective

A broken ornament, a faulty gadget, or a too-tight jumper can feel upsetting in the moment—but they don’t define the day.

Christmas memories are built from:

Shared meals

Familiar films

Quiet conversations

Laughter over small mishaps

Often, it’s the imperfect moments that become the stories we laugh about year after year.

A That’s Christmas 365 Thought

Christmas doesn’t need to be flawless to be meaningful.

If a present breaks, doesn’t fit, or misses the mark entirely, it’s not a failure—it’s just part of real life woven into the festive season. Handle it kindly, fix what you can, and let go of the rest.

After all, Christmas lasts far longer in the heart than it does under the tree.

Why We Chose to Celebrate Christmas for 365 Days a Year

For many years, That’s Christmas 365 followed a familiar and well-worn rhythm. 

We would pour our hearts into the season, celebrate Advent, revel in Christmas Day, enjoy the gentle lull of Twelfth Night… and then, quietly and contentedly, we would put Christmas to bed. 

The decorations would come down, the notebooks would close, and the blog would rest until late the following year.

And for a long time, that felt exactly right.

But something changed.

Christmas Was Never Really “Over”

As a married couple who live and breathe Christmas, we began to notice something we could no longer ignore: Christmas never truly leaves us. 

Even in February, there are moments of generosity that feel unmistakably Christmassy. In spring, there is hope and renewal. In summer, there are gatherings, shared meals, and kindness between neighbours. In autumn, anticipation quietly begins to build again.

The spirit of Christmas kept showing up — long after the tree was boxed away.

We realised that while the season of Christmas has a beginning and an end, the miracle of Christmas does not.

Readers Were Still With Us

Another turning point came from you.

Messages, emails, comments, and quiet interactions continued throughout the year. People weren’t just visiting us in December — they were returning in March, July, and October. They were reading reflections, revisiting traditions, seeking comfort, and looking for meaning that extended beyond a single month.

It became clear that That’s Christmas 365 wasn’t just a festive countdown site. It had become something gentler, deeper, and more enduring.

Christmas as a Way of Living

At its heart, Christmas is not only about one extraordinary day. It is about:

hope in dark moments

generosity without expectation

welcoming others

comfort, warmth, and reflection

love made practical

Those values do not expire on 26 December.

By expanding the remit to cover Christmas all year round, we gave ourselves permission to explore Christmas as a way of living — not just an annual event. That meant writing about kindness in January, gratitude in April, traditions in August, and preparation without pressure in October.

It meant allowing Christmas to breathe.

A Healthier Relationship with the Season

Ironically, celebrating Christmas all year has made December calmer.

Instead of cramming everything into a few frantic weeks, we can spread the joy, the planning, the memories, and the meaning across the year. There is less rush, less stress, and far more room for reflection.

Christmas becomes something we walk with — not something that overwhelms us and then disappears.

Staying True to What Christmas Means to Us

This decision was never about commercialising Christmas endlessly or pretending it is December every day of the year. It was about honouring what Christmas truly represents to us as a couple: continuity, faith, warmth, and shared humanity.

By keeping That’s Christmas 365 alive throughout the year, we are not extending the noise of Christmas — we are preserving its quiet miracle.

Christmas Lives Here, All Year Long

So this is why we no longer “put Christmas to bed”.

Because Christmas still speaks in January.

Because hope still matters in June.

Because kindness is always in season.

And because the miracle of Christmas was never meant to last for just a few weeks.

Welcome to Christmas — all year round.

Independent Cardiff pub North Star to close on New Year’s Eve

North Star, the be-loved independent community pub located at 131 North Road, Cardiff, CF14 3AE, has today announced it will close its doors permanently on New Year’s Eve, 31 December 2025. 

The closure brings to an end more than five years of trading under the North Star name, following its opening in August 2020, and marks the end of a pub site that has served Cardiff for well over a century. 

Despite extensive efforts to continue trading, rising costs and cost-of-living pressures have forced the closure of a much-loved independent Cardiff pub. The owners describe the decision as unavoidable in the current economic climate. 

Owner Tom Edwards told That's Christmas 365: “This is without question the hardest decision we’ve ever had to make, and it’s not what we wanted. We’ve explored every possible option to keep North Star going, but in the current climate we feel this is the only responsible choice left to us.” 

North Star has been one of the few truly independent pubs in the area, not owned or leased by a brewery. Since opening, it has built a reputation as a strong community pub and a safe, welcoming space for all, particularly for students, local residents, creatives and musicians. 

“North Star has never just been a pub, it’s been a community,” Tom Edwards added. 

The venue became best known for its Sunday roasts and food offering, quiz nights, karaoke, and for supporting local independent music, while also providing a consistent, inclusive space for people to gather. 

Manager David Rowlands said: “We’re immensely proud of what this pub has stood for. This place meant something to people, and that’s what hurts the most.”

A historic pub site on North Road 

The building at 131 North Road has a long and continuous history as a public house. 

Originally established as the Maindy Hotel, the site received its first provisional licence in October 1888, meaning it has operated as a pub for over 135 years. 

Over the decades, the venue has been known by several names, including the Maindy Hotel and later The College Tavern, before becoming North Star in 2020. 

“From the Maindy Hotel to the College Tavern to North Star, this building has always been a place for people.” 

The site’s longstanding role as a community gathering place — spanning generations of locals, students and visitors — underscores why its closure is more than the loss of a single business; it marks the end of a century-plus chapter in Cardiff’s social history. 

“This isn’t just the loss of a business,  it’s the end of a pub site that’s served Cardiff for more than a century.” 

Recognition and local profile 

North Star has consistently been recognised for its role within Cardiff’s social and hospitality scene: 

● WalesOnline has previously described North Star as a “Cardiff institution adored by students and locals alike.” 

● The Cardiff Tab has reported on North Star’s financial pressures, highlighting the venue’s importance to the student and local community. 

● The pub holds a 4.9/5 rating on Tripadvisor from over one hundred reviews, with consistent praise for its food, atmosphere and Sunday roasts. 

● North Star has been name-checked in wider Cardiff food commentary connected to coverage by respected food critic Jay Rayner, placing it among the city’s notable independent venues. 

● The venue was also highlighted in national press such as the Mirror, in coverage of broader hospitality challenges, demonstrating its relevance and resonance beyond Cardiff. 

The pub will continue trading through the festive period, with New Year’s Eve marking its final night of service. Customers are invited to join the team for a final send-off.